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Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he is not 100 percent, but that at this point in the season no one is. So he’s not 100 percent?
It is not clear, given the clear disconnect between the report on the subject and the team’s official injury report. Roethlisberger was last mentioned in the injury report as having a knee injury before Week 13. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Roethlisberger suffered a hyperextended knee in Week 13 against Washington.
If he hyperextended his knee at Week 13, Roethlisberger received no treatment (at least not from the team) at Week 14, Week 15 or Week 16.
Two weeks ago, Jason La Canfora of CBS reported that the Steelers have “serious concerns” about Roethlisberger’s knee, and that this has been a problem in practice and in games. Again, there was no mention of “knee” for Roethlisberger in the injury report from the week before the day of the report, or since.
Rapoport adds that Roethlisberger has arthritis in both knees. Given his size and the beats he’s been suffering since 2004, it’s no surprise. The question is whether and to what extent he can keep it beyond 2020, or whether he wants to.
For now, there are deals to be resolved. Today’s game against the Colts may close the division. A loss could make Week 17 an AFC North all-or-nothing battle against the Browns.
Then comes the postseason, where the Steelers will be busy. Especially if Roethlisberger’s knees are getting weak.